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Limerick’s Conor O’Dea supports Down Syndrome Limerick with major sporting challenge

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3 weeks ago

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Limerick’s Conor O’Dea supports Down Syndrome Limerick with major sporting challenge by taking on the 6 Mile Great Limerick Run using a Zeen Walker.

Conor O’Dea is marking a remarkable personal milestone by taking part in the 6 Mile event at the Regeneron Great Limerick Run using a Zeen Walker while raising funds for Down Syndrome Limerick

This year, Conor O'Dea is marking a remarkable personal milestone by taking part in the 6 Mile event at the Regeneron Great Limerick Run, using a Zeen Walker
This year, Conor O’Dea is marking a remarkable personal milestone by taking part in the 6 Mile event at the Regeneron Great Limerick Run, using a Zeen Walker

In 2018, while training for an Ironman triathlon, Conor O’Dea’s life changed in an instant when he suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury that left him without movement below his neck.

After spending 18 months in rehabilitation hospitals followed by years of intensive therapy, Conor has defied expectations. Through extraordinary determination and relentless rehabilitation, he has regained enough strength to stand and walk with assistance.

This year, Conor is marking a remarkable personal milestone by taking part in the 6 Mile event at the Regeneron Great Limerick Run, using a Zeen Walker — an assistive mobility device that enables him to walk.


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But this challenge is about more than personal achievement. Conor is using this event to raise awareness and vital funds for Down Syndrome Limerick, a local charity that provides essential services and support to individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

His efforts will continue on June 20th, when he participates in the 120km Tour de Burren. Conor will be supported by 20 friends who will cycle alongside him in a powerful show of solidarity and community spirit to help drive fundraising efforts.

Through these challenges, Conor hopes to highlight the power of resilience, the importance of community support and the need to stand behind local charities that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Conor is using this event to raise awareness and vital funds for Down Syndrome Limerick

Speaking about the fundraiser, Conor said, “I have been associated with Down Syndrome Limerick for many years. During my recovery from a serious spinal injury, DSL has been a tremendous source of support to me over the past five years.

“I am proud to fundraise for this incredible charity, which receives no government funding. The money raised will go directly towards providing vital speech therapy and physiotherapy services.

“I have seen first-hand the real and lasting impact these services have on the Down syndrome community in Limerick, which makes this cause very close to my heart.”

Down Syndrome Limerick endeavours to support families and individuals with Down Syndrome throughout their life, through a range of Social, Education and Development activities to help improve their lives and assist them in reaching their full potential.

You can support Conor’s fundraiser online through iDonate.

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